A mole is a mass of skin cells — usually black, brown, or skin tone in color — appearing anywhere on your body. Typically showing up before the age of twenty, most are benign and not cancerous.
In West Vancouver, British Columbia, make an appointment to see Dr. Shadan Kabiri if a mole appears later in life or changes shape, size, or color. If it seems to be malignant (with cancer cells), she may want to remove it immediately and send it for testing (biopsy) to check whether it’s cancerous. After removal, you’ll need to monitor the area to make sure it doesn’t return.
Moles can be removed if you don’t like the way they look or feel. Also, if they are positioned in areas where you shave or where they rub against clothing or skin.
How To Check If a Mole Is Cancerous?
First, Dr. Kabiri will examine the mole. If it appears abnormal, she’ll take a tissue sample (biopsy) or remove it immediately.
Next, she’ll send the sample to a lab for testing. If the biopsy returns cancerous, the mole and adjacent tissues will be cut away to eliminate any dangerous cells.
How Is Mole Removal Performed?
Mole removal is a straightforward in-office surgery. Dr. Kabiri will choose between one of two techniques:
Surgical excision — Dr. Kabiri will apply an anesthetic to the area. Then, with a scalpel, she’ll cut out the mole completely then close the wound with stitches. If there is suspicion of cancerous cells, a sample will be sent to a pathology lab for further tests.
Surgical shave — this technique is for smaller moles. After numbing the area, Dr. Kabiri will use a small blade to excise the mole together with underlying tissues. Sutures are usually not necessary.
Removing a Skin Tag
A skin tag is a small flap of flesh-colored skin tissue hanging off the skin surface by a thin strand. They are found where the skin rubs together, like on the neck, armpits, breasts, and groin areas. Overweight people, diabetics, or pregnant women are more likely to get skin tags.
A skin tag is harmless and usually painless. Most patients want them removed for aesthetics or when they become irritated by rubbing against clothing or jewelry.
Dr. Kabiri can choose between different methods to remove skin tags in her office. These include:
Cauterization — The tag is removed with electrolysis, where heat is delivered to the hanging skin tissue, killing the cells.
Cryosurgery — Skin freezing technology using liquid nitrogen is applied to kill the skin cells. Dr. Kabiri employs a probe to deliver the freezing temperatures.
Excision — With a scalpel, the skin tag is removed by simply cutting it off.
Once a skin tag is removed, it usually doesn’t return.
Dr. Shadan Kabiri performs mole and skin tag removals and other cosmetic treatments to patients in West Vancouver. She will be happy to answer any questions and explain in detail her treatment plan. To book your free consultation, contact our office today!